Question

Why were Arab traders important in Indian Ocean trade around 600 CE?

a) By 600, most Arab traders had converted to Islam, allowing them to trade with many Islamic states along the Indian Ocean who refused to trade with non-Muslims.
b) Arab merchants relied on slaves purchased from African kingdoms to provide all labor on ships, making travel cheaper than if they had paid soldiers.
c) Arabs had become experts in navigation and geography by 600, giving them an advantage in establishing trade routes in the Indian Ocean.
d) By 600, traders from the Arabian Peninsula had conquered most of the countries along the Indian Ocean, allowing them to force unfair trade practices on those countries.

Answer 1

Arab traders were important in Indian Ocean trade around 600 CE due to their conversion to Islam, expertise in navigation, and establishment of trade relationships.

Step-by-step explanation:

In around 600 CE, Arab traders played a significant role in Indian Ocean trade for several reasons.

Firstly, many Arab traders had converted to Islam by this time. This allowed them to trade with Islamic states along the Indian Ocean who preferred to trade with fellow Muslims. This religious affiliation gave them access to a large network of trading partners.

Secondly, Arab traders were skilled in navigation and geography, giving them an advantage in establishing trade routes in the Indian Ocean. Their expertise in sailing and knowledge of favorable wind patterns enabled them to navigate the vast ocean more effectively.

Lastly, Arab traders had not conquered most of the countries along the Indian Ocean by 600 CE, as stated in option d. Instead, they established trade relationships through mutual agreements and diplomacy, rather than by force.